During an interview on CBS’ “Early Show,” viewers got to see a few of the men from the FLDS sect that practices and encourages polygamy, speak out in public for the first time. The three men known as: Edson, Rulon, and Jake, spoke with the Early Show’s co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez in the matter.
On April 4, authorities raided the compound owned by FLDS founder Warren Jeffs. 416 children were taken from the compound. During an inspection of the compound, a supervisor with Child Protection Services gave testimony that she saw several pregnant teenagers. The girls believed that it is alright for them to marry men of any ages. In short, they had the belief that they could marry men who were much older than they were.
A child psychiatrist gave testimony that the girls were too immature for sexual relationships let alone marriage.
Judge Barbara Walther gave a ruling on Friday night that there was enough evidence to keep the children in state custody. Recently, the Texas branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) weighed in on the case. They are seeking to see if the children’s fundamental rights were violated. However, the ACLU did not give any specifics.
But, this is the first time that the men of the sect have spoken out. In the interview, the men explained that they did not know it was illegal to marry someone that is under 18.
The one known as Rulon said that they were recently made aware. He even said that he has six children between the ages of one to nine.
The one known as Edson said that he has four children between four to eleven years of age. Edson said that many people are having a false perception on their way of life.
Some of the men have spoken out.
The FLDS is an offshoot from mainstream Mormonism. It is comprised of members that left the mainstream religion after it did away with polygamy. This group founded by Jeffs has no ties with mainstream Mormonism. Currently, Jeffs is serving time in prison after a 2007 conviction.
Before his arrest, Jeffs was at the top of the FBI’s most wanted list.
Recently, it was revealed that the Pentagon gave out contracts for airplane parts to companies that had ties with the FLDS.
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